Solve the Fraction Subtraction: 5/6 minus 2/6

Q: Why don't I subtract the denominators too?

The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. Since both fractions have sixths, you're taking away 2 sixths from 5 sixths - the piece size stays the same!

Q: Do I need to simplify my answer?

$ \frac{3}{6} $ can be simplified to $ \frac{1}{2} $, but it depends on what the problem asks for. Both answers are mathematically correct!

Q: What if the first fraction is smaller than the second?

You'll get a negative fraction! For example: $ \frac{2}{6} - \frac{5}{6} = \frac{-3}{6} $. This is perfectly normal in math.

Q: How can I check if my subtraction is right?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the second fraction: $ \frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6} $ should equal the first fraction $ \frac{5}{6} $.

Q: What happens if the denominators are different?

Then you need to find a common denominator first! But in this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (6), so you can subtract directly.

Fraction Subtraction with Same Denominators

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{6}-\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 First, let's mark the number of squares we have according to the given data

00:10 Now subtract (remove) the number of squares according to the corresponding fraction

00:14 The remaining number of squares is the numerator of the answer

00:17 The denominator of the answer equals the number of parts we divided the whole into

00:21 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{5}{6}-\frac{2}{6}=\text{?}$

Step-by-step solution

In this problem, $\frac{5}{6} - \frac{2}{6}$ , we are tasked with subtracting two fractions with the same denominator.

Steps to solve the fraction problem:

Step 1: Confirm that the denominators are the same. Here, both are 6.
Step 2: Subtract the numerators. Take the numerator of the first fraction $5$ and subtract the numerator of the second fraction $2$ . The calculation is $5 - 2 = 3$ .
Step 3: Place the result over the common denominator. This gives us $\frac{3}{6}$ .
Step 4: Simplify the fraction if possible. Here, $\frac{3}{6}$ can be simplified to $\frac{1}{2}$ , but since the problem does not require simplification and a matching choice exists, we can leave it as is.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is $\frac{3}{6}$ .

Final Answer

$\frac{3}{6}$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Same denominators mean subtract numerators only, keep denominator unchanged
Technique: Calculate $5 - 2 = 3$ , place over 6
Check: Verify $\frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6} = \frac{5}{6}$ using addition ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Subtracting both numerators and denominators
Don't subtract denominators like $\frac{5}{6} - \frac{2}{6} = \frac{3}{0}$ ! This creates undefined fractions and wrong answers. Always keep the denominator the same when fractions have identical denominators.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve the following exercise:

$\frac{8}{5}-\frac{4}{5}=\text{?}$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why don't I subtract the denominators too?

The denominator tells you what size pieces you're working with. Since both fractions have sixths, you're taking away 2 sixths from 5 sixths - the piece size stays the same!

Do I need to simplify my answer?

$\frac{3}{6}$ can be simplified to $\frac{1}{2}$ , but it depends on what the problem asks for. Both answers are mathematically correct!

What if the first fraction is smaller than the second?

You'll get a negative fraction! For example: $\frac{2}{6} - \frac{5}{6} = \frac{-3}{6}$ . This is perfectly normal in math.

How can I check if my subtraction is right?

Use addition to check! Add your answer to the second fraction: $\frac{3}{6} + \frac{2}{6}$ should equal the first fraction $\frac{5}{6}$ .

What happens if the denominators are different?

Then you need to find a common denominator first! But in this problem, both fractions already have the same denominator (6), so you can subtract directly.

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